With the authority of a Rabbi, Jesus clearly explained how He both interpreted and described discipleship. He did not create a whole new concept but took one from the culture and redefined it. The Gospel writers give five distinct statements in which Jesus clearly stated what His disciple looked like. There are other discipleship implications from His teaching, but these five are the most definitive.
Let’s take a quick review of where we are in unpacking discipleship on the resurrection side of the cross. I have suggested that a Hebrew (vs. Greek) definition of a disciple is one who is an intentional apprentice of Jesus and His kingdom (TADB 23).
I am describing discipleship as:
the personal, persistent pursuit of knowing, reflecting, and sharing Christ by means of critical spiritual disciplines in the context of supporting relationships resulting in the distinctive marks of an apprentice of Christ. (TADB 24)
We have been looking at each element of this description (TADB 25-33) and are now ready for the last one: the distinctive marks of an apprentice of Christ. I have referred to these marks as traits or indicators of a “certified” disciple (TADB 34). Over the next 5 blogs, I will look at each of these clearly stated traits so we can better align our own discipleship journey as well as be more effective mentors. Since Jesus gave us the mission to be and make His disciples, these traits are not optional or electives. Neither are these five marks of a certified disciple given as a check list to be completed, but rather they are lifetime pursuits. Discipleship is verified (authenticated) when these traits are present and increasingly evident.
I call the first discipleship indicator “comprehensive alignment”. Both Luke and Matthew record Jesus description of this trait but with a slightly different emphasis. Luke emphasizes the identity of a disciple.
Students (disciples) are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher (Luke 6:40 NLT).
Jesus’ disciples are to “become like the Teacher”, emulating him in every way possible. This implies more than outward obedience to some commands. It implies a heart response and a whole life involvement.
History, however, does not reflect this kind of life emulation. In fact, life is usually divided into two categories. Much like living in a two-story townhouse, we put some areas of life in the upper, second story and the rest into a lower, first floor. For example, the church father, Augustine, put spiritual matters in the upper story and relegated physical matters to the lower floor. Today, Americans typically have a sacred/secular or private/public dichotomy. The result of this two-story thinking is to apply one set of principles to the upper story and another set to the lower story.
When we unconsciously accept this dichotomy, we tend to put discipleship into the sacred (upper) story and the rest of life in the secular (lower) story. We have our “spiritual life” (church, Bible study, etc.) and then we have our normal everyday life. The former we align with Christ and Scripture, but the daily life is governed by a different set of principles.
Jesus, however, made no such two-story distinction. He viewed all of life as sacred and an integral part of kingdom living. The goal for His disciples was to be fully trained to be like Jesus, meaning their entire lives would be in alignment with Jesus and His kingdom. Paul expressed it this way, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
This alignment doesn’t happen by accident, but is the result of understanding His Word and by the power of the Spirit, responsibly applying it (Phil. 2:11-12). In other words “fully trained to be like Jesus” implies intentional, comprehensive alignment rather than simply changing a few beliefs. It is an all-inclusive alignment, impacting our convictions, character, and competencies. Therefore, Jesus’ form of discipleship is unapologetically invasive, potentially threatening, and consistently uncomfortable. In many cases, it involves replacing old convictions with radial biblical ones and transforming old behavior patterns into Christ-like character. Competencies are also impacted as we become skillful soldiers, effective athletes, and patient farmers, who intentionally build up His kingdom (2 Tim. 2:2-7).
Luke emphasizes the identity of a disciple whereas Matthew emphasizes the destiny of a disciple
Students (disciples) are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of My household will be called by even worse names! (Matt. 10:24-25 NLT).
Over the past few centuries, we Americans have enjoyed the cultural support of a faith based life. Publicly identifying with Christ and His kingdom may have at times been uncomfortable but rarely threatening. This cultural favor is now eroding. We are experiencing greater rejection, even hostility, towards faith based living. Our tendency may be to retreat and hide in the upper story of our mental townhouse. But discipleship calls us to boldly identify with Jesus and His destiny both publicly and privately.
Down through history, Christ’s disciples have always shared His suffering, but they also shared the hope of His triumph. The great hope of following Christ is that one day we will share in the indescribable inheritance that is ours in Christ (Eph. 1:11).
Certified discipleship #1: Comprehensive alignment (Luke 6:40)
A disciple is one who comprehensively aligns his/her life with Christ and His destiny; whose whole life is being transformed to reflect His nature, beliefs, attitudes, character, values, and purposes.
Questions for reflection:
- Can you think of a time along your journey with Christ when He challenged your two-story thinking?
- Is there an area of your life that is harder to bring under the influence of Christ and His kingdom? Why?
Great article by a fellow laborer Ron .